A profile of Pisarn Manawapat, former senator during the NCPO era, who once voted for Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister and is now the People's Party candidate for foreign minister in the upcoming government.
On 6 Jan 2026 GMT+7, excitement arose as the People's Party (Pop Party) unveiled their "The Professionals" government team if elected. Among them is Pisarn Manawapat, a former senator from the NCPO period and ex-ambassador to several countries, announced as the party's second candidate for the position of foreign minister.
Pisarn Manawapat is a Thai diplomat and former senator, born on 7 Nov 1956 GMT+7 (about 69 years old). He graduated from Bangkok Christian College, Triam Udom Suksa School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics (B.Sc. Econ) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of London, and a Master of Science in Economics (M.Sc. Econ) specializing in International Trade from LSE. He also completed the 46th class of the National Defence College of Thailand.
Pisarn served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over 36 years, holding significant diplomatic posts including Thai Ambassador to the United States (Washington, D.C.) from 2015 to 2017, Ambassador to Canada (and Jamaica), Ambassador to India, Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and Head of the Thai Delegation to the European Union (EU). He also served as Deputy Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Director-General of the Department of International Economic Affairs.
Back in 1986-1987, Pisarn was awarded a Congressional Fellowship to work in the U.S. Congress, collaborating with members of the House and Senate. This experience became a key foundation for his understanding of global political mechanisms, which he applied throughout his three-decade career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In 2019, after retiring from government service, Pisarn was appointed as a member of the 12th Senate, selected by the NCPO. Despite this, he often took independent stances based on principles and correctness.
A notable event that drew attention was Pisarn being one of 13 senators who voted "approve" for Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister after the 2023 election, citing respect for the people's voice and democratic governance.
Regarding constitutional reform, Pisarn voted in favor of the principles of the people’s draft constitution proposed by iLaw, aiming to reduce conflicts and "unlock" the country from political deadlock.
Pisarn also served on the Education Committee and as advisor to the Public Health Committee, applying his foreign affairs expertise to domestic policy work.
Most recently, Pisarn joined the People's Party, which introduced him as part of their "The Professionals" management team, assigning him responsibility for foreign affairs and positioning him as their candidate for foreign minister if the party forms the government. The party promotes the concept of "Diplomacy that Pays," focusing on restoring Thailand’s presence on the global radar, modernizing bureaucracy, and prioritizing national interests (Pro-Thailand) over aligning with major powers. Pisarn stated his full transition into politics aims to use his 40 years of knowledge to resolve structural issues and help Thailand regain a dignified role on the world stage.